John Frieda
Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme
"An affordable curl cream that defines and smooths waves with all-day soft hold. Contains silicones so not CGM-friendly, but effective for taming frizz and enhancing curl clumping."
Hair Compatibility
Curl Pattern
Strand Thickness
Porosity
Performance
- Hold Level
- Medium Hold
- Weight
- Light
- Finish
- Soft, No Cast
- Buildup Risk
- Medium
What's Inside
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (Abyssinian Oil)
Lightweight oil for shine and smoothing
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil)
Moisturises without heaviness
Silicone Quaternium-18
Smoothing and conditioning silicone
Polyurethane-34
Flexible hold and curl clumping
View Full Ingredients List
Aqua (Water), Stearyl Alcohol, Polyurethane-34, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetyl Alcohol, Laureth-3, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceteareth-25, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Laureth-7, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Silicone Quaternium-18, Methylpropanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Trideceth-6, Trideceth-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Phenylpropanol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool
Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.
How to Use
Best as: Styler
Alternatives to Consider
Overview
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme is a lightweight styling cream designed to enhance curl definition whilst keeping hair soft and touchable. Enriched with Abyssinian Oil and Jojoba Oil, it provides medium hold without stiffness or crunch. The formula contains silicones for smoothing, meaning it’s not CGM-approved, but it remains a popular choice for curlies seeking an accessible, budget-friendly curl cream.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Abyssinian Oil (Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil) - A lightweight oil with excellent slip that adds shine and smoothness without weighing down fine hair.
- Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) - Closely mimics natural sebum, providing balanced moisture without greasiness.
- Silicone Quaternium-18 - A conditioning silicone that provides smoothing, detangling, and anti-static benefits.
- Polyurethane-34 - A flexible film-former that helps curls clump and hold their shape without becoming stiff.
What We Love
- Soft, touchable finish - No crunch or stiffness
- Good curl clumping - Helps curls form defined spirals
- Lightweight formula - Won’t weigh down fine to medium hair
- Budget-friendly - Often on offer at major retailers
- All-day hold - Curls stay defined throughout the day
- Protein-free - Safe for protein-sensitive hair
What Could Be Better
- Contains silicones - Not CGM-friendly, needs clarifying
- Medium hold only - May not survive high humidity
- Strong fragrance - Noticeable and lasting scent
- Buildup potential - Requires regular clarifying
How to Use
For Defined, Soft Curls
- Apply to clean, damp hair (towel-dried or soaking wet)
- Take a 10p-sized amount for medium-length hair
- Rub between palms to warm and distribute
- Use praying hands motion to smooth through lengths
- Scrunch upward to encourage curl formation
- Diffuse or air dry
Layering with Mousse
For enhanced volume and hold:
- Apply mousse first to damp hair and scrunch
- Follow with a small amount of curl creme
- Use praying hands to smooth and seal
- Diffuse for faster drying
Pro Tip
Less is more with this cream. Start with a small amount and add more if needed—too much can leave hair feeling coated. If you find it leaves residue, reduce the amount and ensure you’re clarifying every 2-3 weeks.
The Verdict
John Frieda Dream Curls Curl Defining Creme is a solid performer for those who don’t strictly follow CGM. It provides noticeable curl definition, all-day hold, and a soft, touchable finish—all at a budget-friendly price. The Abyssinian and Jojoba oils add a nice shine without excessive weight.
However, the silicone content means you’ll need to incorporate regular clarifying into your routine to prevent buildup. If you’re committed to CGM, look elsewhere. But for wavies and curlies who want an accessible, effective curl cream from the high street, this is worth a try.
Our Rating: 3.5/5